EC Announces List of 100 Cities Participating in EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030
The European Commission recently named the 100 EU cities in the EU Cities Mission to create 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. The 100 cities represent all 27 EU member states, with an additional 12 cities representing nations that are or might be associated with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme (2021–2027).
Seventy-five per cent of EU people live in cities. Urban regions consume more than 65 per cent of global energy and produce more than 70 per cent of CO2 emissions. As a result, cities must serve as experimental and innovative ecosystems, assisting everyone else in their journey to being climate-neutral by 2050.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission, said:
“The green transition is making its way all over Europe right now. But there is always a need for trailblazers who set themselves even higher goals. These cities are showing us the way to a healthier future. We will support them on this! Let's begin the work today.”
The Cities Mission will receive €360 million in Horizon Europe financing from 2022 to 2023 to begin innovative approaches to achieving climate neutrality by 2030. Clean mobility, energy efficiency, and green urban planning will be addressed through the research and innovation actions, which will provide opportunities to develop collaborative initiatives and expand relationships in synergy with other EU programmes.
Cities will benefit from tailored guidance and help from NetZeroCities' dedicated Mission Platform, new funding and financing opportunities and the opportunity to participate in significant innovation actions and pilot projects. The Mission also offers networking opportunities and best-practice exchanges between communities.
The Commission will encourage the 100 selected cities to draught Climate City Contracts, which includes a comprehensive strategy for achieving climate neutrality in all sectors, including energy, buildings, waste management, transportation and investment plans. The process entails citizens, research organisations, and the private sector.
Following the overwhelming interest from 377 cities, the Commission supports cities that were not chosen. That includes support through the Mission Platform and grant funds from the Cities Mission Work Programme.
Source: European Commission
